An oops for Trump? A federal judge has once again had to remind the Trump administration that ‘stop’ means ‘stop.’ U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. ordered the administration to ‘immediately restore frozen funding,’ emphasizing that the government’s continued withholding of funds was, shockingly, in violation of a previous court order.

This latest judicial smackdown comes after the administration attempted to put a blanket freeze on federal spending, affecting everything from the National Institutes of Health to clean energy projects. The administration’s justification? A desire to ‘review’ the spending to ensure it aligns with President Trump’s priorities.

Because nothing says ‘efficient governance’ like halting critical health research during a global pandemic. The judge’s order is the latest in a series of legal blows to the administration’s early policy efforts.

The states that brought the lawsuit, including New York, argued that the funding freeze was causing ‘chaos, confusion, and conflict’—a trifecta that seems to be the hallmark of this administration’s policies. The administration, for its part, has remained tight-lipped about the ruling. Perhaps they’re too busy figuring out new ways to circumvent the law or concocting alternative facts to justify their actions.

One can only speculate. This isn’t the first time the administration has tried to play fast and loose with federal funds. Earlier this year, they attempted to freeze federal grants and loans, a move that was met with swift legal challenges and, ultimately, a temporary restraining order. It’s almost as if there’s a pattern here.

The judge’s ruling is a reminder that, despite the administration’s best efforts, the rule of law still holds sway in this country. It’s a comforting thought in these tumultuous times. But one has to wonder: how many more court orders will it take before the administration gets the message? Or perhaps the better question is, do they even care?

In the meantime, critical health research and clean energy projects hang in the balance, their funding subject to the whims of an administration that seems more interested in power plays than public service. It’s a sad state of affairs when the judiciary has to step in to ensure that the executive branch follows the law. But here we are.

So, what’s next? Will the administration comply with the court’s order? Or will they continue their pattern of defiance, forcing further legal action? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the courts are watching, and they are not amused.

In the end, it’s the American people who suffer from these political games. Critical programs lose funding, research is halted, and progress is stymied. All because the administration refuses to play by the rules. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of checks and balances in our government. And it’s a call to action for all of us to stay vigilant and hold our leaders accountable. Because if we don’t, who will?